When students walk into freshman theology, they are greeted by a new face, and a new way of thinking about faith, Justus Fostvedt. Fostvedt joined the faculty this year, bringing philosophical depth and a teacher’s heart to the classroom.
Fostvedt, who previously taught theology at All Saints, now leads freshman theology, dividing his class into two distinct sections: natural theology and covenantal theology
“The first semester is basically about how our religion is rational,” Fostvedt said. “It’s not just something you have to blindly believe. We explore philosophical proofs for the existence of God so students can see how faith and reason actually work together.”
In the second semester, his classes dive deep into Scripture.
“We focus on the story of God’s interaction with humanity throughout history – His purpose of bringing us into union with himself,” Fostvedt said. “It’s all about showing how that story unfolds through Scripture.”
For Fostvedt, transitioning from middle school to high school has been both refreshing and challenging.
“In middle school, you spend a lot more time on behavior management,” Fostvedt said. “High schoolers are more independent. I get to spend more time actually teaching, which is pretty awesome.”
He added that McGuinness students have impressed him with their respect and maturity
“They just seem more polite than I expected,” Fostvedt said. “There’s a really positive relationship between students and teachers here, not a lot of rivalry or tension.”
Fostvedt explained he first became involved with the Irish community when his former middle school students were also transitioning to high school.
Outside the classroom, Fostvedt plays another important role in the community – as a driver for students commuting from Norman.
“There’s a few All Saints families sending their kids here, and since I was switching, too, it just made sense,” Fostvedt said. “Other schools like Casady and Mount St. Mary’s already had shuttles coming from Norman, so I started helping out by driving students up each day.”
For Fostvedt, teaching theology isn’t just memorizing facts or verses, it’s about showing students that faith can be both intellectual and deeply personal.
“Faith isn’t something that has to be blind,” Fostvedt said. “It’s something that makes sense — something that can be understood and lived.”
